Sharjah, pioneer of culture in the Emirates

For several decades, Sharjah has distinguished itself as the cultural capital of the Arab world, a title officially bestowed by UNESCO in 1998 in recognition of the emirate’s commitment to art, culture, and education, as well as its cultural landscape.

Under the guidance of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has ruled the emirate since 1972, Sharjah has developed a unique artistic ecosystem in the Middle East, establishing itself as an essential destination for art lovers and cultural professionals alike.

The modern history of art in Sharjah is closely tied to the founding of the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009, under the leadership of Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi. This multidisciplinary institution supports both local and regional artistic creations while fostering connections with international artists. The foundation regularly stages major exhibitions, organizes workshops in collaboration with partners, and offers research grants and mentorship programs aimed at empowering young artists, women, and innovative creators.

The foundation is also responsible for the world-renowned Sharjah Biennial, launched in 1993, which attracts thousands of visitors and showcases works reflecting social and artistic transformations across the Arab world and beyond. The latest edition, in 2025, titled “To Carry,” brought together more than 200 artists from diverse backgrounds, who addressed pressing contemporary issues and engaged in cross-cultural dialogue.

Sharjah has also invested heavily in preserving and revitalizing its architectural heritage. The historic Al Mareijah district hosts several museums and art spaces nestled within beautifully restored traditional houses, offering visitors the chance to engage with contemporary works while immersing themselves in the emirate’s historic urban architecture.

At the heart of the cultural scene stands the Sharjah Art Museum, one of the Gulf’s largest museums. It provides free access to a wide range of exhibitions, from classical Arab paintings to contemporary photography, making art accessible to all audiences.

Beyond these key institutions, Sharjah is home to many other notable landmarks, such as the Barjeel Art Foundation, founded to showcase the private collection of Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi; the Maraya Art Centre, dedicated to visual and digital arts; and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which highlights the richness of traditional Islamic art.

Complementing these are dozens of independent galleries and studios that further diversify the emirate’s cultural landscape, fostering exchanges between artists, curators, and the public. A steady flow of events and project calls reflects Sharjah’s proactive cultural policy, which promotes innovation, training, and artistic experimentation.

Sharjah’s cultural vision strives to democratize access to art and shape an open and engaged society. Art initiatives are often complemented by conferences, concerts, film screenings, and retrospectives on prominent Arab artists such as Tarek Al Ghoussein or Hassan Sharif, while consistently welcoming European, American, and Asian creators.

While deeply rooted in local and Arab traditions, Sharjah’s artistic influence resonates internationally. Close collaborations with global cultural institutions—including UNESCO—and the involvement of artists from the Arab diaspora amplify the emirate’s cultural outreach. The UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture, created in 1998, epitomizes this partnership by rewarding two personalities, groups, or institutions each year for their exceptional contribution to the promotion of Arab arts and culture.

The emirate’s relentless vitality in cultural promotion has earned it global recognition, including the title of Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and World Book Capital in 2019 by UNESCO.

Balancing tradition and modernity, East and West, Sharjah has taken on the challenge of shaping a dynamic and innovative artistic hub. Its ambitious programming, celebration of diversity, and collaboration with international artists and institutions continue to cement its role as a global pioneer in Arab culture.